Retired athletes as instructors: good, bad, or ugly?
More and more retired athletes are getting jobs as teachers and trainers for fitness classes across the country. This is one of those topics that has pretty decent arguments for both sides, in my opinion anyway. Retired athletes have what many fitness instructors don't have -- real and actual experience in a specific field. They've developed tricks and tips from their own ups and downs, and really know inside and out what does and doesn't work for them. But on the other side, most (if not all) retired athletes have no official certification in the health and fitness field, and what they share may or may not be safe and effective. Maybe they've figured out what worked for them, but how are they are helping you figure out what will work for you? Or at helping you avoid injury?Bottom line is that I think it's great if retired athletes want to share their knowledge and experience with others. As long as they're upfront and honest about qualifications and certifications, etc, people can make their own decisions. After all, this is America, and if some fitness icon wants to say "Hey, here's how I got where I am today" then good for them. Just make sure you do your homework, know what you're getting into, and take care of yourself.







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